To The Victor Go The Spoils

By: Ridley C. James

Beta: Tidia

Disclaimer: Nothing Supernatural belongs to me.

Timeline: Pre Season Three; Follows directly after the story Temporary Remedy. I suggest reading that one as well as the Prologue to this Paper Tiger.
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Chapter 9/11

Dean was standing close enough to the falls to feel the spray, the cold mist seeping into his clothes with insidious tenacity. He resisted the chill threatening to shake his body, refused to show Rose any signs of weakness. Of course she already knew his Achilles’ Heel.

Sam and Caleb were adjacent to him. Fisher was holding a gun on them. Joshua was there, and Dean found it damn ironic. It was hard to tell if he was being held at gunpoint along with Sam and Caleb, or if Fisher was counting Joshua in on their team.

Ian tied Ethan and Elijah back to back, gags stuffed in their mouths. They were being used as incentive as well. Gideon stood next to Dean. “Can we get on with this? We have a hiking trip to get back to.”

Rose purred around them like a cat in heat. “Boy bonding?” Rose traced a slender finger over his shoulder. “Is that what this little outdoor adventure is about, Dean?”

“You didn’t expect us to go shopping for shoes at the mall and suck down a few venti caramel lattes now did you?” He jutted his chin towards Ian. “Sounds more like something you and your girlfriend might do.”

“Fuck you, Winchester,” Ian said. “We’ll see if you’re laughing when I waste you.”

Dean looked at Gideon. “You have to admire his confidence.”

“Even if his ego is completely self-inflated,” Gideon said.

Ian pointed his gun at Ethan’s head, glanced to Rose. “What’s one less hunter going to matter in the grand scheme of things, Rosie?”

Dean shirked away from the demon’s touch. “You start killing people, Rosebud, and all bets are off.”

She grinned. “We’re negotiating now? I didn’t realize you had a say in the matter.”

“You’re going to need one of us. Why ruin the beginnings of a promising partnership with anymore bullet holes?”

“I don’t have to use a gun to get my point across.” Rose’s gaze flicked to Caleb and Sam. “I have orders to let them live, but nothing that says I can’t make them wish they were dead.”

“Whose orders?” Caleb finished tying the makeshift bandage around Sam’s leg and looked up at Rose. “Someone new running the house now that daddy dearest is dead?”

Dean clenched his jaw, willing Caleb to keep his mouth shut as Rose’s smile faded away. Her latest bodysnatching victim’s eyes flashed inky black. “If I have my way Father will be returning soon. We’ll all be one big happy family, Caleb.”

Caleb stood. “I hope you’re not including me in your fantasy reunion.”

“Father was patient with you. It’s time for the prodigal son to return and take your rightful place.” Rose glanced to Sam. “Both of you. Boy King, Dark Knight.” She returned her velvety gaze to Dean. “Does that make you the Court Jester?”

“I’m nobody’s fool.”

“That shows how little you understand about the part you play.” Rose leaned close, whispering in Dean’s ear. “There’s a welcoming party planned downstairs and you’re the guest of honor.”

“Why don’t you enlighten us about this great master plan, Rose?” Caleb said.

Dean appreciated the redirect as Rose moved out of his personal space, but worried what secrets the demon might reveal.

“This isn’t some poorly written movie where I arrogantly give away the punch line just before my nemesis gets the upper hand, Nephew.”

“Really?” Dean smirked. “Because I would love a climax where you’re shoved out of a twenty story window by some rabid shadow demons. But wait…that’s already been done.”

“You know my orders concerning you are very different. I wouldn’t push my luck.”

“You need him,” Gideon said. Dean was surprised; Gideon was admitting he was not the next Guardian. He wasn't even in the running any longer. If Dean's deal ended the way he feared it would, then Dean would see to it that the firefighter would be the next Guardian.

Rose eyed him. “Maybe it’s you I need, handsome.”

“Who’s to say I’d help you?”

Both Dean and Rose glanced at the bound and gagged Ethan and Elijah. Dean had to give the demon credit; she had played the game well.

“I don’t make deals with demons.”

Rose flicked her gaze to Dean. “A cut above the rest.” She refocused on Gideon, licked her lips. “It’s a good thing for the twin cupcakes that I’m betting the true Guardian isn’t above climbing into bed with the enemy if the situation calls for it. Isn’t that right, Dean?”

“Even I have standards, bitch.”

“You really should know when to simply keep your mouth shut and look pretty.” Rose raised her hand towards Caleb and Sam. “To share our bloodline, his defenses really are pathetic.”

“Sonofa…” Caleb dropped to his knees beside Sam, head cradled in his hands.

“Leave him alone!” Dean watched helplessly-his brother wounded and now Caleb being attacked, too. He took a step forward, but Rose gripped his shoulder, digging her nails through his jacket as she continued her assault on Caleb. “If he would have embraced his inner demon instead of swallowing the humanity crap, this would be a very different scenario. He has no idea what he’s capable of.”

“Caleb?” Dean was relieved when Sam half stumbled, half hopped to the older psychic’s side, gripped Caleb’s shoulder with his own bloodstained hand.

“And neither does your brother. How pathetic, Sammy,” Rose said. “You’re going to have to work harder if you want to be up to par. You're both significantly lacking.”

“I can’t block her.,” Sam sent a desperate look in Dean’s direction. Do something.

Dean ripped his arm away from Rose, feeling the scratches on his skin. “Stop it.” The demon ignored him and Caleb continued to writhe on the ground. Even if Dean were able to physically take out Rose, or distract her from her attack on Caleb, Fisher and Ian had the upper hand. “I’ll do what you want, damn it. Just stop.”

Rose batted her eyelashes. “Say the magic word.”

Dean clenched his fists, swallowed the bile at the back of his throat. “Please.”

The demon laughed. “That wasn’t so hard was it?”

Dean ignored her, and called out to his brother. “Sam?”

“I’m okay,” Caleb said, pushing himself to his knees once again. He rubbed a hand under his nose, smearing the thin line of blood. “Bitch Barbie can go fuck herself.” Both Caleb and Sam had blood on their hands. He didn't know how much more would be shed before this played out.

“Such language.” Rose crossed her arms over her chest. “Pastor Jim would be so disappointed in you, my boy.”

“Shut up!” Caleb staggered to his feet.

“I can understand why that weighs so heavily on your mind. You’re prone to letting down those you love. It’s genetic, I’m afraid.” Rose twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Be glad you haven’t butchered anyone like Daddy did Mommy.”

“If Reaves tries anything, put another bullet in Winchester, Fisher,” Ian said from his guard position over Dean and Gideon. “Just don’t hit anything vital.”

Fisher grunted. “Gladly.”

“Damien,” Dean said, softly.

Caleb stopped, stayed where he was. Dean was sickened by his ability to use his position already, a position he didn't deserve and probably would never rise to.

“It’s good to be The Guardian,” Rose said. “Now for your next trick, I’d like to find the weapons if you don’t mind.”

“What makes you think we know where they are?” Gideon asked. “Ian must have told you the maps gave no specific details about the location.”

“That was disappointing, but not unexpected. Over the centuries, hunters have proven to be quite clever. Still, they underestimate their enemy’s tenacity.”

“Are you saying you know where the weapons are hidden?” Sam asked. He and Caleb were standing shoulder to shoulder in seeming solidarity, but Dean wondered if it was to keep vertical.

“I do, Sammy.” Rose pointed towards the rushing waterfall. “But as you can see, knowing is only half the battle.”

“The weapons are in the falls?” Joshua spoke for the first time. Dean had discounted the older hunter, unsure what his purpose was, trying to recall that it was just a short while ago they were in Mackland's apartment.

“Or behind them,” Rose said.

“And you came to this conclusion, how?” Joshua continued questioning.

“The first clue was the holy water,” Ian said. “Rosie found out the hard way that the waterfall is blessed."

Dean stared up at the massive arc of water tumbling from the rocks above, which was giving off a glistening humidity to the cave. “It must be shunted through hallowed ground. Maybe a tunnel of consecrated metal.”

Rose blew on her red polished fingernails. “Yes, clever but rather ineffectual considering I have you to do my dirty work for me."

“And what exactly is he supposed to do?” Caleb asked.

“I’m guessing this is the great test that your predecessor’s journal spoke of,” Rose replied, looking at both her hands as if she were studying her manicure or contemplating the necessity of one. “If he doesn’t drown, then he’s the chosen one.”

“That logic is almost as inane as that applied during the Salem Witch Trials,” Joshua kept the conversation going. It wasn't helping, Dean couldn't think of another solution except to go into the water.

Rose gave him a cross look. “I have a soft spot for witches, Joshua, but an old-fashioned burning at the stake is not out of the realm of possibility.”

Ian gestured to his wet clothes. “There’s some kind of barrier in the pool before you reach it, then something hurled me back.” Dean hoped the clothes were hiding heavy bruising.

Rose clapped her hands together. “So, let’s get on with it.”

Caleb inched forward. “Dean’s not going to be your test subject.”

“We could always let The Knight proceed first. Although drowning twice may be a little much even for a hybrid like yourself. I really can’t risk it.” She turned to Ethan and Elijah. “There’s always the understudy Knight. How are you at swimming, Wonder Twin?”

“I don’t need a stand in,” Dean said. He stripped off his jacket, tossed it on the ground. “What do you want me to do once I’m past the falls?”

Gideon reached out and caught Dean’s arm. “Maybe I should try first.”

Dean appreciated Lane’s offer, but refused to allow anyone else to be placed in danger because of him. Rose thought he was The Guardian; there was no need to waste time. “No. I got this.”

“Stunt double not required, Goody-goody.” Rose gestured to the roaring falls. “But just in case…I do like to have a backup on hand. So you may get your chance later on.”

“Dean…” Sam started.

“Sam.” Dean grinned. He recognized the tone, the puppy-dog look. “Keep Damien on a short leash.”

Caleb didn’t say anything. Dean imagined it was taking all of his friend’s restraint to resist the impulse to act, to do what came naturally to him-protect. Dean knew he would feel the same if it were Caleb or Sam about to dive head first into uncharted waters.

“Remember, I won’t hesitate to take my impatience out on Sammy and Caleb if you lag in your mission.”

“Keep your claws to yourself, Rosebud. You’ll be the first to know when I’ve found the loot.”

The water was cold, breath-stealing as Dean swam towards the falls. Once close, he felt a change in the consistency of the water. The coldness was making his movements sluggish, but the current was tugging. He wondered if the water was preparing a push/pull motion to toss him out. He was allowed to go on, his focus on the falls in front of him.

Dean had no idea what he was supposed to do as he treaded water. The assurance he had offered Rose for the sake of appearances were faltering as the pounding cascade loomed enormous only ten feet away. The water was so viscous now it was like moving through copious wet sand. He couldn’t go back. The idea of losing anyone else bolstered his determination.

In that moment she appeared as a shimmering reflection in the tumbling water. The Lady of the Lake stared down at him. Her arms were lifted, hands held out, silently instructing him to stop. That wasn’t a problem considering Dean was stuck.

She was unchanged from his dream, the same vision in which his father had been returned to them from Hell, whole and alive. Only now Dean was awake. He glanced over his shoulder. The others were all watching him, but no one reacted to the Lady. It was unnerving as he understood; she was his own, a link to the Guardian.

Dean faced the apparition, expecting to hear her soft dulcet tones echoing in his mind. When she offered nothing, he took a deep breath. “I know this doesn’t look good. Me working with the enemy…But I have no choice.”

This time he did hear a voice in his head, but it was Pastor Jim’s, not The Lady’s. There are always choices, my boy. Dean glanced heavenwards, licked his lips. “I won’t let my brother and Caleb die. No one’s life is forfeit-not for a bunch of weapons, not even for The Brotherhood.”

The Lady’s head moved imperceptibly. Dean wasn’t sure if it was an act of consideration or merely a trick of the eye, an illusion created by the water’s rapid flow. Then she was gone, the water around him instantly lost its heaviness.

Without a second thought, before she could change her mind, Dean dove, pulling himself under the pounding falls. He swam until his body brushed against rough rocks, realized his knees were now hitting solid earth.

He stood on shaky legs, shivering from the cold, but triumphantly on the other side of the wall of water. “Shit.”

A cavern like the others they had encountered unfolded before him, narrow at first, but opening to a larger room lit naturally by countless sliver-sized cracks in the rock ceiling above. The water circumvented it, skirted snakelike around its perimeter to meander through another small passageway. Dean would lay money that if one followed the small river it would lead to The Rise.

Daniel Wilmington had balls. Dean would give the former Guardian that. He whistled as he took in the mother load sprawling before him. Boxes labeled ‘DYNAMITE’ and others with similar deterrents were scattered. Some objects were out in the open, a testimony to the constrained timeframe Wilmington and Tanner had to protect what they needed to store.

The sound of his name, barely made out over the roar of the falls, cut short his inspection. It was Sam’s voice, insistent and concerned. Dean’s gut twisted. Thoughts of what Rose might be doing weighing him down like his waterlogged clothes.

Dean moved to the edge of the water, staring through the falls where the others were only blurred blobs across the barricade. “I’m here!” he called.

Rose’s reply was muffled, but Dean registered the threat, the menace in her tone over the cacophony of sound. Even after finding what they had been searching for, he was unsure of his next move. Dean peered intensely into the water, hoping The Lady might appear; offer some kind of answer or assistance. He closed his eyes, waiting for Jim to proffer a solution. When nothing happened, he returned his gaze to the cavern, and not for the first time, the answer came from the past-another legacy left from their predecessors.

On the wall, etched faintly into the granite was the symbol of The Brotherhood. The same three circles that allowed them entrance into the Sinks, the identical emblem which nearly caused Caleb’s death, and the icon Ian tainted by using it to set a trap to push them into the cavern.

It called to Dean, the silver ring on his right hand pulsed with an energy mirroring the pounding in his chest. Intent on an unclear purpose, Dean covered the connected circles with his palm. The wall was cool, wet from the mist, but in seconds warmth radiated through his hand, raced along his arm. He thought about the symbol, what it stood for. Knowledge. Power. Sacrifice. All the attributes Merlin needed to make The Brotherhood a success. Together it was an undefeatable combination.

For a moment he allowed himself to imagine what it would be like to be a part of something beyond what most men ever encountered. For the first time, Dean wanted to be The Guardian. But it wasn’t his future. His future, for awhile longer, was beyond the waterfall. Dean took a breath, steadied himself and focused solely on bridging the gap between himself, his brother and Caleb. The Guardian reached out to The Knight, The Scholar

The deafening silence snapped Dean’s eyes open. He dropped his hand from the symbol, swaying slightly as his body recovered from the lingering sensations tingling through his extremities. The falls had frozen, massive stalactites hanging from the rocks above, like gleaming silver icicles. “Shit.”

Through the large gap in the now metallic overhang, Dean saw a silver pathway extended through the water in the pool, leading directly to where Caleb and Sam stood. He rubbed a hand over his mouth, stared down at his ringed finger with awe. “Holy shit.” Rose was right. It was damn good to be The Guardian.
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Sam felt a moment of panic as he watched Dean disappear beneath the water, not knowing what he might face once he vanished. He would be alone, no one to back him up. It was too close to the feelings Sam was holding at bay about Dean’s deal. The overwhelming trepidation of letting his brother go, losing all control of what might happen next-the ache of being left behind.

His fear and worry were mirrored and intensified by what he was gleaning from Caleb. The future Knight stood ramrod straight, fists clenched at his side, watching the ripples where they had last seen Dean. Sam knew the older psychic was considering going in, consequences be damned. If Sam’s safety were not at stake, Caleb would have already followed.

Sam ignored the flare of pain in his leg, the flesh wound more annoying than debilitating. He disregarded Fisher and his gun, moving to his friend’s side. “He’ll be okay,” he said, softly. His shoulder brushed against Caleb’s. “It’s Dean.”

Caleb met his gaze. “I can’t sense him, Sammy.”

Anguish reflected in the older psychic’s gold eyes and Sam struggled to keep his own anxiety tamped. “Only because your abilities were weakened.” He prayed that was the only reason.

“Maybe.”

As the minutes passed, Sam’s bravado followed, like a sandcastle slowly devolved by the tide. Rose’s patience was apparently following suit.

“Call out to him. See if he’ll answer you.”

Sam did as she said, desperate for some kind of assurance. Dean replied, his voice carrying through the sound of the falls. Rose returned with yet another threat. Sam wondered how Dean was going to get the rest of them through. The demon wanted to see what was beyond the falls, but was stopped by the holy water. In moments, Sam had his answer as the falls stopped in mid-flow, solidifying into a jagged silver fortress. Dean was revealed in the middle, like a victim surrounded by the jaws of a shark.

“I’ll be damned,” Caleb said, softly.

Sam swallowed thickly, coaxing moisture to his suddenly dry throat. He looked down at the silver path that snaked through the river, its head now jutting out of the water at his and Caleb’s feet. “Jim definitely kept some secrets from us.”

Rose led the way on the silver pathway, practically dancing her way to Dean. The others followed behind, under guard. Sam read the weariness in his brother's green pinched gaze, but at least Dean was conscious. Maybe manipulating the silver became easier each time, less taxing on The Guardian’s system. Although, Sam doubted it was a task that was required on a regular basis.

“Cool trick, Deuce,” Caleb said. He took a step closer to Dean, but Fisher’s gun halted his progress. “Can you turn Fisher into a silver statue of an ass for your next feat?”

“If only,” Dean said.

Sam looked around the room, the incredibility of what they had uncovered almost as daunting as his brother’s new found ‘Guardian Mojo’. The journals were true. It was all true. Which meant somewhere in their midst lay an object which could possibly give life to the Yellow-Eyed Demon, as well as a device capable of destroying The Brotherhood once and for all.

“So Griffin’s tall tales were dead on.” Ian left Ethan and Elijah by the jagged entranceway, as he studied the contents of one of the boxes. “Twenty years of research and the old bastard isn’t even here to enjoy it. There’s some kind of irony there.”

“Too bad you’re not intelligent enough to detect it,” Gideon said.

Rose gave him a shove to keep moving as she studied the numerous crates. “We need to find the amulet.” She cast a glance to Joshua. “I’ll need your help for that, Mr. Sawyer.”

Sam would have found Joshua’s look of surprise amusing had the situation not been so dire.

“I’m afraid you must have me confused with someone else.” Joshua cut his gaze to Caleb. “My family has no ties to this piece you’re searching for.”

“But your family does have ties to the ways of the witch. I need you to do some good old fashioned magical detective work-scrying.” She raised her finely winged eyebrows.

“I do believe you’ve been watching far too much Charmed." Joshua patted himself. "I don’t carry crystals or such to seek out lost objects or persons.”

“I have the crystal.” The demon lifted one of the long silver chains from around her neck, at the end a pink-hued stone. “Rose quartz, I think it will do the trick.”

Joshua crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t have anything to use as a reference point.”

“I’ll provide what you need.” Rose picked up a wooden bowl from atop one of the wooden containers, then strode towards Caleb.

Sam edged in front of him, ignoring the irritation he sensed from the other psychic. “What do you have up your sleeve, Meg?”

“It’s Rose now, Sammy.”

“You’ll always be Meg to me.” Sam would never forget the hell the demon had put him through when he was possessed; the things she made him do to Dean.

“That’s sweet.” Rose smiled. “But our intimate history won’t keep me from twisting your intestines into a painful love knot.”

“Back off, Kid.” Caleb edged his way around Sam. “Let the lady get on with this.”

“That’s the spirit.” Rose reached inside her leather duster, removing Dean’s knife she had taken from him. "I promise it won’t hurt- much.”

“Hey!” Dean said.

Rose rolled her eyes. “Don’t blow a gasket, Dean. What’s a little blood between kinfolk? It’s not like I’m asking for a kidney.”

“Blood?” Caleb looked to Joshua. “What’s she going on about?”

“I believe she thinks the amulet has a tenuous link with whoever used it last.”

“The warlock’s smarter than his daddy thinks,” Rose said. "You carry his DNA, and as a bonus the essence of the demon he called forth.”

“Speaking of that, take a pint for me, Rosie,” Ian said. “If I’ve done my homework, I’ll need some of that mixture myself.”

Sam and Caleb shared a look. Riley and Bradley warned them that it stood to reason if they figured out the potential weapon, then so would the other side. Ian was after Merlin’s compound. Sam imagined he wanted to bring an end to The Brotherhood.

“And what if I’m not what you think I am?” Caleb said, softer.

“Oh, Caleb.” Rose shook her head with a mock sadness. “Surely you didn’t let yourself believe for one minute that you could be the descendent of Cole Tanner? That in some romantic twist of fate your whore of great-grandmother got herself knocked up by the Knight of The Brotherhood?”

Sam couldn’t look at Caleb. Instead, he stared over Rose’s shoulder, met his brother’s unwavering gaze. No matter what they would stand by Caleb.

Rose laughed. “But of course you did, because that insidious thing called hope and your refusal to see the truth is what makes you what you are, a poor waste of demon and a pathetic parody of a human.”

Caleb thrust his arm forward. “Just get it over with.”

Rose appeared extremely pleased with herself. “Gladly.”

The demon shoved the bowl at Sam. “Hold this.”

Sam backed away. “No.”

Rose flashed Dean’s knife. “You want to do the honors instead?”

“Just do as she says, Sammy,” Caleb said.

Sam took the bowl, winced as he watched Rose meticulously slide Dean’s blade across Caleb’s forearm. When finished, she grabbed Sam’s wrist and guided the bowl to catch the psychic’s blood.

“Our first ritual together.” Rose ran her fingers over the edge of the blade, licking the blood she collected, before tossing it aside. “Father will be so proud of his kids.”

“What now?” Ian asked.

Rose slid the crystal from her neck, dipped it in the bowl. It came out dripping red. “Now, Harry Potter works his magic.”

Sam dropped the container as Rose moved to Joshua. He glanced at Sawyer as he tore the bottom part of his T-shirt, passing it to Caleb for a makeshift bandage.

“Scrying is merely using the properties of a crystal with the correct agent. Anyone could do it,” Joshua said backing away from the dripping crystal.

“But you’ve had practice. It does require a certain mindset. Don’t tell me you haven’t lost your favorite Argyle socks at some point in time and wiggled that cute little nose to find them?”

Sam gestured with his head at Caleb, who had haphazardly placed the ripped t-shirt part on his arm. Caleb shrugged. There was a lot they didn't know about Joshua's abilities.

Joshua took the pendant with an indignant huff, began running it over the top of the boxes. “It is highly unlikely that this will work.”

“I’m a gambling kind of girl.”

“So you get your bloody little hands on the amulet, then what?” Dean asked. “There’s nowhere you can hide that The Brotherhood won’t find you.”

“The fact most of your kind are rather busy thanks to you and Sammy releasing a couple hundred of my brethren works in my favor.”

“If you take out the future Triad, you’ll go to number one on the most wanted list,” Gideon said.

“Why on Earth would I want to take out the future Triad?” Rose glanced to Sam and Caleb. “It’s the first in the history of the organization. Caleb and Sammy are a demonic dream team.”

Sam watched the demon’s gaze travel back to his brother, wondering if she would include Dean’s deal in her warped version of a victory. “The deck is definitely stacked in our favor,” she said.

Joshua cleared his throat. “If you’ve finished with your campaign speech, I believe I’ve found something.”

All eyes went to the now taut silver chain, the crystal pointing to a dust covered black box.

“Well, don’t keep us on the edge of our seats, Joshua.” Rose nodded for Ian to help. “I, for one, am ready to see the sun again.”

“You should definitely enjoy it while you can,” Dean said. “You’ll be going home real soon.”

Rose raised a brow. “I could say the same for you.”

Sam’s attention was drawn away from his brother at the splintering and cracking of wood.

“This isn’t an amulet.” Ian held up a large blade, cold steel with a black stone handle, a red marking decorating its side.

Joshua appraised the weapon. “Ian’s skills of deduction are as sharp as ever. I doubt if it was forged in the fires of the Underworld either. It has the symbol of The Brotherhood etched on it.”

“The Dragon’s Talon,” Sam said. It was one of the blades Merlin created and gave as a gift to his original Triad. “It belongs to The Knight.”

Ian smirked. “Possession is nine tenths of the law.” He gestured to Ethan, as he pulled on the leather shoulder strap designed to hold the knife. “Isn’t that right, Detective Mathews?”

Sam could see the twin brothers were trying to get out of their bonds. They were still a factor, and their help could turn the tables when they got free.

“I suppose Merlin is as powerful as the Old Ones say.” Rose inclined her head. “Weapons who know their masters, elixirs that can take out an army. It stands to reason he tapped into his own demonic heritage.”

“Or succeeded in spite of it,” Dean said. “Merlin knew enough to prevent your kind from taking over. What he started, The Brotherhood will see through. Even if you manage to conjure up Daddy Yellow-Eyes, he won’t make a damn bit of difference. I killed him once, I’ll do it again.”

“You’re even beginning to sound like The Guardian,” Rose chided. “Too bad you won’t have much of a reign. It would be interesting to see if the position would have healed that tragically damaged self-image of yours.” She whirled to face Joshua again. “Keep looking.”

Sam didn't know what it meant, but he had made the same speculation about his brother.

It didn’t take long before the silver chain was once again being pulled straight. Ian tore into the crate with relish, like a child at Christmas. Sam picked up on the rush of adrenaline as the traitorous hunter lifted his hand to reveal a tarnished talisman. It hung from an equally discolored chain, looking unimpressive and far from magical.

“This what you’re looking for, Rosie?” Ian snarled his nose. “Not exactly your typical bling.”

Rose walked over to Ian, taking the necklace. “Things aren’t always what they seem.”

As soon as her hand touched the mottled amulet, it shed its flecked appearance like a second skin. Rose held it up, her eyes locked on the key to her father’s salvation. Now unblemished, the pendant sparkled gold with encrusted jewels of various colors glowing eerily in the sparse light. “It recognizes those meant to wield it as well. Noah Seaver had no power over the charm, but I know how to harness it.”

Sam felt the familiar nudge in his mind, reclaiming his attention from the pendant. Caleb was looking at Dean, but Sam easily heard his thoughts. “It’s our only chance.”
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Dean knew it was coming, saw it in Caleb’s eyes. He barely had time to send a warning glance to Gideon before the battle began. Caleb plowed into Fisher, fighting over the gun. Sam tackled Rose as she turned. His brother was repeating the Latin verse that would send her back to Hell.

That left Ian, who recovered from the surprise attack a little too quickly for Dean as he was caught in the open, weaponless. Ian’s blue eyes flashed with familiar madness as he hefted his gun, pointed it at Dean. “Goodbye, Winchester.”

It all took place in mere seconds, but time appeared to slow to a crawl. Two gun shots echoed through the cavern. Dean jerked, hoping Caleb had taken out Fisher and not the other way around, even as he braced for the impact of Ian’s bullet.

The pain never came. Instead his vision blurred, a body brushed against his. Then Gideon was stumbling backwards, knocking Dean off balance. They both fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

Dean managed to half-pull himself out from under Gideon’s weight in time to see Ian taking aim again. Only this time the son of a bitch wasn’t quick enough. He fell to his knees, a shocked look replacing the arrogant smirk. Dean couldn’t stop the memory of Sam dying in an all too similar fashion as Ian fell face forward. Joshua was standing behind him, Dean’s bloodied knife gripped white-knuckled in his hand.

“Deuce!”

Dean sluggishly turned to watch Caleb shove Fisher’s lifeless body aside, struggle to his knees. He managed to shake his head, bring some moisture to his throat. “Sam.”

Caleb followed his line of sight to where Rose was bucking on the ground, fighting even as Sam’s impromptu exorcism did its damage. Dean was drawn back to his situation by Gideon’s movement, the choking sound the other hunter was making.

“Oh God.” Dean crawled next to Lane, turned him over. He tried to find the source of all the blood flowing from Lane’s chest, finally pressing his hand over the gaping hole.

He could barely make out the muffled shouts and expletives coming from Ethan and Elijah, closed his eyes for a moment to get his bearings. Joshua would have to untie them. Dean was needed.

“Gideon, hang on. Just hang on, man. Help’s on the way.” Dean knew it was a lie. There would be no help for Gideon. A rookie would have recognized the fatal chest wound.

“Are…you alright?” Gideon coughed, blood trailing from his lips. “Did…I save you?”

Gideon’s red-slicked hand flailed about and Dean caught it, held tight. “You did, Boy Scout. You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Guardians…have to live to fight…another day, Winchester.”

Dean shook his head. “Guardians understand sacrifice, Lane.” He gave up on staunching the blood, laid his other hand on Gideon’s head as the injured hunter’s eyes fluttered. “You’d be a good one.”

“No…” Gideon smiled weakly, taking in a ragged breath. “Jim…made the right decision…the best choice.”

“Gideon.” Ethan dropped to his knees on the other side of Lane, his hands skimming along the bloodied mess of his best friend’s chest. “G? Oh, fuck…no,no,no.”

“I’m sorry…” Dean said. He released Gideon’s limp hand, removed his touch. “I’m so damn sorry.”

Hands were on him now, trying to pull him up, away from the carnage. “Deuce. Hey.”

Dean felt boneless as Caleb got him to standing, maneuvered him so he was no longer able to see Gideon, so they were giving the Mathews brothers a chance to say their goodbyes. His friend gripped his shoulders. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Dean faltered, opened his mouth and closed it. He wasn’t hurt, but he wasn’t okay either.

“Come on, Kiddo.” Caleb reached out, laid a hand along the side of his face. “Talk to me here.”

“He…” Dean felt his eyes sting, his throat constricted.

Caleb moved his hand around to the back of Dean’s neck, pulled him closer. “It’s not your fault,” he said, softly. “None of this is your fault.”

Dean blinked. “Sammy?”

“He’s fine,” Caleb said, tightening his grip. “He and Joshua are cleaning up the mess.”

“Rose?”

“Flew the coop before Sam could finish the exorcism. Left in a puff of black smoke, but we’ve still got the amulet and the dead body she vacated.”

“Goddamnit.” Dean sighed. “This shit is never over.”

Caleb gave his neck another gentle squeeze. “We’re going to get through this, man. I promise.”

Dean returned his gaze to Ethan. The police detective was curled over Gideon’s body, head resting against the downed hunter's shoulder. Elijah looked lost, unsure of what to do. “Not all of us, Damien.”

Ethan sat up, his dark watery eyes meeting Dean’s stare. “Merlin’s elixir…where is it?”

“Ethan…” Elijah said.

The police detective turned on his brother. “You said it had healing properties…maybe even immortality. We can bring him back. We can save him.”

The professor shook his head. “We don’t even know if the elixir is real…if it’s even here.”

“The Dragon’s Talon is real. It was here.” He turned to Dean again. “We can find it. Joshua can find it. Please, Dean. I know you understand.”

Sawyer appeared beside them, a sorrowful look gracing his features. When he spoke his voice held none of the usual biting sarcasm. “Ethan, I wouldn’t have anything to scry with. Nothing of Merlin’s remains here."

“Gideon wouldn’t want you to bring him back.” Dean looked up at the sound of his brother’s voice. Sam’s eyes were locked on Gideon, but distant as if seeing another place and time. “What’s dead should stay dead,” he said quietly. “He died a hero, fighting the good fight.” Sam looked at Ethan. “Don’t take that away from him. A warrior’s death isn’t the worst that could happen.”

Elijah put a hand on his twin’s shoulder. “He’s right, Ethan. We have to let him go.”

Dean stepped away, unable to watch his past, present and future any further. It was torture, penance for all the bad shit he had ever done, except everyone else kept paying the price for his failures. He felt more than saw Caleb shadow his move.

“You okay?”

“No.” Dean ran a hand down his mouth, fought back the wave of nausea. “I’m not.” He moved to Ian’s body, blocking out Ethan’s choked sobs of acceptance. As he kneeled, he easily recalled holding Sam in his arms only a few short weeks ago, crying his own tears into his brother’s quickly-cooling body. Only the day before, he’d clung to Caleb with a similar tenacity, refusing to admit the crushing end. Dean hadn’t been able to do as they were all asking Ethan to do. He couldn’t let go.

Dean moved his hand over Ian’s, rested his palm against the silver glinting on the bastard’s finger. He closed off his surroundings using grief and anger to guide his way. There was little solace when he opened his eyes and watched a small trail of water trickle from beneath Ian’s hand. Dean removed his touch. Ian’s ring was gone.

“Dean?” Caleb said.

He didn’t answer, though his friend’s voice was rough with emotion. Instead, he continued to strip Ian of any traces of The Brotherhood. He showed the hunter’s body no respect as he removed The Dragon’s Talon and its sheath.

Dean stood, wiping at his eyes before facing Caleb. “This belongs to you.”

Caleb took the blade, ran his fingers over the red circles carved in ebony. “What are we going to do with the rest of this stuff?”

Dean stepped past his friend, pausing over the dead body of the girl Rose had used. He bent down, took from her stiff curled fingers the talisman which was once again discolored and tarnished.

“We can’t leave it.” Caleb spoke again.

Dean slipped the amulet in his pocket, turned to face the psychic. “You still know how to set those small demolition explosions?” Ian and Fisher were bound to have brought back up supplies.

Caleb held his gaze. “I do.”

“Then let’s bury this son of a bitch once and for all.”

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